While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.
The worst 2009 BMW R1200 GS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system20
- Electrical6
- Transmission6
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Acceleration1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 BMW R1200 GS
Recalls 4
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V‑617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V471000 · Recall details
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
- Risk
- If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 15V141000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V617000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 r 1200 and k 1200 series motorcycles manufactured from august 2006 through may 2009. Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration. The brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake line could split and start to develop a leak.
- Risk
- If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners and dealers will install new brake lines, containing a "sleeve" along a portion of the lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 20, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 10V276000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 BMW R1200 GS 61
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models
- BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender...
- Multiple factors may
- BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the...
- Multiple factors may
- Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special...
- One of the following situations can occur when connecting to BN2000 motorcycles: 1. The installed control...
- BMW Motorrad has ascertained that in isolated cases the fuse for the voltage regulator is not correctly...
- When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle...
What 2009 BMW R1200 GS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816‑699‑1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
I was driving my motorcycle when I noticed a gas leak coming from the fitting where the fuel line goes into the fuel pump on the left side of the gas tank. This caused gas to drip directly onto the left side exhaust manifold, which could cause a fire. In the past I had an issue with the plastic quick release fuel line cracking where it screwed into the fuel pump (same location) and dripping gas directly onto the left exhaust manifold when riding it. I replaced the plastic quick release fuel fitting with a metal one from the same manufacturer to correct the issue. Checking with others online, I have discovered that both of these issues are known, common problems on this model.
Multiple fuel strp failures, resulting in loss of fuel related warnings.
The fuel pump flange connection is cracked and leaking fuel. There are multiple pictures videos and threads regarding recalls for the exact same fuel leak that I am experiencing on the internet. However when I called bmw of north america they tell me that my motorcycle is not included in the recall. Clearly this type of fuel leak represents a fire hazard and direct life safety issue. My question is how can my particular motorcycle be excluded from this well publicized bmw recall situation ?? Fortunately I discovered the fuel leak in my garage and not while going 70 MPH down the interstate
I was accelerating on the on-ramp to merge in to the slow lane with heavy traffic on the 80 north bound heading home. I had just shifted the motorcycle in to 3rd gear when it lost all power and started slowing down. The next exit was not available to reach safely and my only option was to coast into the side emergency lane. As I was investigating the issue a small plastic pulley form the left side throttle-body fell to the ground. I'm currently contacting bmw motorcycles as this was a serious safety issue that put me in harms way. This plastic piece is under constant tension and in my opinion should never have been make of plastic.
Fuel level sensor failure twice. Unable to determine level of fuel in take while driving and stopped. Increased risk of running out of gas in traffic.
Compare the 2009 BMW R1200 GS
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Questions about the 2009 BMW R1200 GS
Is the 2009 BMW R1200 GS reliable?
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2009 BMW R1200 GS, 3.0 times a typical R1200 GS model year.
What is the 2009 BMW R1200 GS year score?
The 2009 BMW R1200 GS scores 33 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW R1200 GS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW R1200 GS?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 20 complaints, typically around 10,700 miles. Next is electrical (6).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW R1200 GS have?
4 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, wheels and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW R1200 GS fuel system?
Yes, 2 recalls: 20V471000, 13V617000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW R1200 GS have the most fuel system problems?
The BMW R1200 GS model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2007 (24 complaints), 2008 (24 complaints) and 2005 (20 complaints).
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